Many have wondered when Jarred Vanderbilt will make his season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6’8” forward has spent the last few months recovering from two foot surgeries and knee soreness, and news on his recovery had been few and far between. Head coach JJ Redick offered an encouraging update on Vanderbilt’s recovery Tuesday, detailing his on-court progress and the desired next steps.
Lakers Forward Inching Toward Return with Key Update
Redick: Vanderbilt Played Five-on-Five
During his post-practice media availability, Redick said Vanderbilt played five-on-five with Lakers coaches yesterday, and would like to see him play against his teammates or G-League players as a next step in his return to play.
JJ Redick said Jarred Vanderbilt has gotten some runs in with the coaching staff. They’d like to see him play against Lakers roster players, or South Bay Lakers players, in practice as he gets closer. Redick said there will be a further update soon.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 7, 2025
Redick added that Vanderbilt—who last played on Feb. 1, 2024—will be placed on a minutes restriction upon his return. He is coming off of a 2023-24 campaign where he averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds across 29 games (six starts).
Redick said Vando’s minutes, when he does return, will be limited after missing nearly an entire year of game action. https://t.co/i9UN3Yyofr
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 7, 2025
Vanderbilt’s Return Impacts Backup Center Search
Vando will return to a new-look squad that includes another defensive-minded wing in Dorian Finney-Smith, and the Lakers are only looking to upgrade from there. Sources tell ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin there’s optimism Vanderbilt could return in the coming weeks, with added intel on how Redick plans to use the 25-year-old wing.
“According to league sources and some close to the team, there is growing optimism Vanderbilt might make his return within the next week or two, whereupon JJ Redick intends to utilize him in an interesting way. Whenever Vanderbilt does return, sources say he’ll be used up and down the Lakers’ frontcourt, and will almost assuredly spend time at center in Redick’s athletic, switchy vision for the team.
Heading into the season, anticipation around the league was that the Lakers would upgrade their backup center situation. They still might, but first want to see how well the team can operate under this identity…As one source close to the team put it, Redick has seemed less interested in playing any traditional center not named Davis of late, so the front office is reluctant to use trade assets on a player who may not have a role when he gets to Los Angeles.”
The Lakers have experimented with small-ball lineups before—typically with Rui Hachimura or LeBron James—but incorporating Vanderbilt into that vision could make things interesting. Vanderbilt has exhibited tremendous versatility on defense, stopping the opponents’ leading forwards, guards, and, occasionally, centers. Redick has previously stated Vanderbilt will play a key role in the team’s defensive schemes. His willingness to use Vando as a small-ball center is a key indicator of that, albeit an unorthodox approach.
Instead of playing center, Vanderbilt would remain better off staying at the four next to Finney-Smith or Hachimura. At 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan and high motor, Vando creates a matchup nightmare for opposing bench units, not to mention his ability to shut down stars. He could also slot into a closing lineup with James, Davis and Reaves, who hold enough offensive firepower to make up for his weakness on that end.
The Last Word on Jarred Vanderbilt
Upon his return, Vanderbilt will give the Lakers another effective point-of-attack defender and boost the bench with his effort. While his presence won’t solve all of the Lakers’ problems, he can serve as another spark plug in the second unit and improve their ability to string stops together.
